Eat your greens… to beat the blues
Few studies have examined the association between depression and diet. However, this Australian study explored the links in 129 meat-eaters, 151 vegetarians and 216 vegans. It showed that high-quality, plant-based diets resulted in a lower risk of depressive symptoms and that this effect was highest among the vegan participants.
Poor quality, processed, high-sugar and high-fat foods are associated with inflammation, which is linked to a higher risk of depression. On the other hand, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, pulses and wholegrains – staples of a healthy vegan diet – are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may lower the risk of depression. Vitamin B12 and omega-3s, they say, are also important.
Walsh H, Lee M and Best T. 2023. The Association between Vegan, Vegetarian, and Omnivore Diet Quality and Depressive Symptoms in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20 (4) 3258.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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